noun
- any of the structures around the mouth of an insect or other arthropod that are used for feeding
Usage: biology; entomology
Examples
- The butterfly’s mouthparts are adapted for sipping nectar from flowers.
- Scientists examined the beetle’s mouthparts under a microscope.
- Different insects have specialized mouthparts for their feeding habits.
- The mosquito’s piercing mouthparts allow it to penetrate skin.
- Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts for eating leaves.
- The study focused on the evolution of insect mouthparts.